Barcelona picks Real Madrid apart in a tale of two defensive lines

Hansi Flick and his well drilled army make it look easy in el Clasico

The story line coming into this game was whether Barcelona would be punished for the high line they insist on playing in. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior surely would have a field day.

But just as it’s been all week, Barcelona’s game plan prevailed, making their famous opponents look small.

Barcelona 5-1 Sevilla

Barcelona 4-1 Bayern Munich

Barcelona 4-0 Real Madrid

What are we witnessing?

Three very different opponents, but it didn’t matter, because this Barcelona team is so secure in its identity. Even when, in fact especially when, the game didn’t seem to be playing in their favor.

Recall that early on Bayern Munich looked to be having their way with Serge Gnabry, Harry Hane, and Michael Olise playing balls behind Barca’s backline with ease. But the Blaugrana didn’t panic. They waited for their time to reverse the run of play, and never looked back.

The first half against Real Madrid, they didn’t look like juggernauts. But with every offside call, you could see the newest “Galactico” grow frustrated. Mbappe was breaking under the pressure of playing in football’s greatest game. And with each flag that was raised, Barcelona’s imperious, daredevil of a backline, grew in confidence.

That’s what Hansi Flick demands. Having the cajones to take the risk.

In the first 45 minutes, Barcelona’s incredible forward trident was quiet.

But the back line was dialed in, determined to succeed in their mission. Iñaki Peña was vibing, and showing more decisiveness than ever. And the double pivot wonder of Pedri and Marc Casado continued to instill calm and control in the middle of the park.

Coming into the second half, it was Frenkie de Jong who entered, and set the tone by being everywhere all at once. The energy changed. Barcelona didn’t necessarily press high up the field, but they moved their line higher to confront a shaky Real Madrid defensive line.

And from there the Real Madrid defenders handed the game to Barcelona on a silver platter.

Now it was Barcelona playing balls in on the goal with ease. Los Blancos were a disorganized mess. They are lucky the final score was only 4-0. Robert Lewandowski should have easily scored four by himself.

This Barcelona team just works. They are showing incredible consistency. And as a result, they keep getting better and better.

They know when to put their foot on the gas, and when to let their opponents beat themselves.

For any lover of the game, this is a treat to watch.

It’s football like, I personally, haven’t seen it done before.

It truly feels like the next generation of Barcelona greatness revealing itself.

We’ll wait to give Flick his flowers.

But man does he deserve some recognition for how much he’s accomplished already with so little.

There is strength in the union. And this Barcelona team is more united than ever.